The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) had distributed 4,721,062 meals to Gazans in the six days since it started its operations in the Palestinian enclave, the American company said on Sunday.
Distribution efforts reached a new peak on Saturday, increasing fivefold compared to the day before, according to a statement.
The American private contractor noted that it seeks to further scale its operations throughout the Strip, with plans to build additional distribution sites in the north.
The foundation stated that it is “actively testing and adapting its distribution model to safely deliver the maximum amount of aid to the greatest number of people,” while continuing to “press government officials to assist in facilitating additional aid access”—alluding to the Israeli government.
GHF maintained that the aid was distributed without security issues throughout the week, despite reports in the media suggesting otherwise.
“The continued misinformation, mischaracterization and unfortunately completely false reports by some major media outlets [are] very disheartening to our aid workers and their vital efforts to feed the hungry people of Gaza,” said John Acree, interim executive director of GHF.
“We are strengthening our communications team capabilities to continue to help provide accurate and timely details and verify factual and transparent information regarding our daily operations. Please reach out to our team to confirm any ‘third-party’ reports,” Acree was further quoted as saying.
“Every step we take is aimed at one outcome, which is getting food and essential supplies directly into the hands of those who need them most,” he added.
The group, which is not connected to the United Nations and which aims to deliver supplies to Gazans while preventing their appropriation by Hamas, began its operations on May 27.
Two humanitarian aid centers were initially opened in the Tel al-Sultan area of the southernmost Strip and the Morag Corridor between Khan Yunis and Rafah.
A third distribution center was opened on Thursday in the central Gaza Strip, according to Israel’s Army Radio military correspondent Doron Kadosh.
Each facility is designed to serve approximately 300,000 Gazans per week, with the latest center primarily targeting the estimated 500,000 residents in central Gaza.
The facilities are secured by American contractors and remotely monitored by the Israel Defense Forces. International NGOs reportedly manage the actual delivery of food and other supplies.